Vitalfort

Calf raising can be challenging, especially during stressful periods when calves are vulnerable to dehydration. A common situation that often arises during heat-stress, before weaning, and before or after transportation. To ensure the best support for calves during these periods, we developed an easy to use electrolyte, Denkacare Vitalfort.

Vitalfort is an isotonic electrolyte supplement for calves. Vitalfort contains mainly electrolytes and easily absorbable carbohydrates. This product contains color and a flavor enhancer to encourage water intake. Vitalfort assists the absorption of fluids from the intestines and promotes a proper fluid- and acid-base balance. This product is indicated for the rehydration of animals under stressed conditions, such as cold or heat-stress, before weaning, and before or after transportation.

• Colored red to easily spot refusals.
• Flavored for improved palatability and water intake.
• Contains electrolytes and easily absorbable carbohydrates.
• Supports the calf during stressful periods and helps with hydration.

• Water is very important for a calf, and an essential nutrient. If a calf does not drink enough water, this can impair its body functions and lead to a decreased performance[1].
• A common misunderstanding is that calves will not drink the milk, if you give them water. As a matter of fact, giving water to calves next to the milk can even increase milk intake.
• Water is also very important for rumen development and fermentation, improving digestion later in life[2].
• Lukewarm water is similar to the body temperature of a calf, and therefore calves are more inclined to drink it water over cold water. So always provide water lukewarm if you can, especially when a calf is dehydrated or in cold weather.
• In normal situations, giving free access to good quality water is enough to keep your calves hydrated. However, there are some situations in which extra support is needed. Two major situations are when a calf is either dehydration from a high loss of water (in most cases due to diarrhea) or when a calf does not have a sufficient intake of water (for example if the water is not palatable, if calves are in heat stress or if they have been on transport).
• In these situations, Electrolytes can provide the extra support needed to replenish water and salts lost during diarrhea or to promote fluid intake in stressful situation.

1. Wickramasinghe, J., Kramer, A., & Appuhamy, J. (2019). Drinking water intake of newborn dairy calves and its effects on feed intake, growth performance, health status, and nutrient digestibility. Journal of Dairy Science, 102(1), 377–387. https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2018-15579
2. Wickramasinghe, J., Kramer, A., & Appuhamy, J. (2019). Drinking water intake of newborn dairy calves and its effects on feed intake, growth performance, health status, and nutrient digestibility. Journal of Dairy Science, 102(1), 377–387. https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2018-15579

EXTRA TIPS WHEN USING VITALFORT

• Give water with Vitalfort in between milk feedings and as needed there after.
• Continue milk feedings.
• Always provide calves with free access to clean drinking water.
• Need help hydrating your calf? Check out our hydration decision tree.